What is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, and why does it have such a powerful influence on weather and climate in Australia and around the world?

In this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan unpack ENSO, the natural climate cycle behind El Niño and La Niña.

Joined by climate scientists Mandy Freund from the University of Melbourne and Shayne McGregor from Monash University, we explore how changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures, trade winds and atmospheric pressure can shift rainfall, heat, drought and flood risks across the globe. We also trace the history of ENSO research and explain how scientists observe and forecast its changing phases.

With a strong El Niño developing in 2026, the team cuts through the “super El Niño” headlines to examine what forecasts can tell us about the months ahead. 

They also consider how ENSO interacts with the Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode and Madden–Julian Oscillation, and what climate change means for the impacts of future El Niño and La Niña events.

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

 

What is the El Ni&ntilde;o&ndash;Southern Oscillation, and why does it have such a powerful influence on weather and climate in Australia and around the world?
In this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate &amp; Weather Podcast, hosts <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> unpack ENSO, the natural climate cycle behind El Ni&ntilde;o and La Ni&ntilde;a.
Joined by climate scientists <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/722384-mandy-freund">Mandy Freund</a> from <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/">the University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/shayne-mcgregor/">Shayne McGregor</a> from <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a>, we explore how changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures, trade winds and atmospheric pressure can shift rainfall, heat, drought and flood risks across the globe. We also trace the history of ENSO research and explain how scientists observe and forecast its changing phases.
With a strong El Ni&ntilde;o developing in 2026, the team cuts through the &ldquo;super El Ni&ntilde;o&rdquo; headlines to examine what forecasts can tell us about the months ahead.&nbsp;
They also consider how ENSO interacts with the Indian Ocean Dipole, Southern Annular Mode and Madden&ndash;Julian Oscillation, and what climate change means for the impacts of future El Ni&ntilde;o and La Ni&ntilde;a events.
Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.
&nbsp;

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth — especially here in Australia.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate. 

With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.

From greenhouse gases and El Niño to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what’s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.

No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts — and a little hope.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &mdash; especially here in Australia.
Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate.&nbsp;
With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.
From greenhouse gases and El Ni&ntilde;o to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you&rsquo;ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what&rsquo;s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.
No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts &mdash; and a little hope.

Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast

Whatever you do, DON’T call it a Godzilla El Niño

Drill into the frozen depths of Earth’s climate history in this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast. Your hosts Iain Strachan and Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick are joined by Dr Tessa Vance (University of Tasmania, Australian Antarctic Program) to explore paleoclimatology, and find out how Antarctic ice cores unlock thousands of years of rainfall, drought, and climate variability across Australia and the Pacific, helping put today’s human-caused climate change into crucial context. 

From remote drilling sites like Law Dome to the challenges of extracting and analysing ice cores, this episode reveals how scientists reconstruct long-term climate records far beyond Australia’s short observational history. Discover evidence of droughts and wet periods that rival or exceed those on record, and learn how slow-moving climate drivers like the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) shape decades-long swings between dry and wet conditions. 

The conversation also uncovers a surprising link between Antarctic sea salt and Australian bushfire risk via a Southern Ocean ‘weather bridge’. Plus, hear about the ambitious Million Year Ice Core Project, aiming to extend climate records back up to two million years, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in climate science, extreme weather, and Antarctic research.

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

NEW TO TOTALLY COOKED? 

Totally Cooked is a science-backed, straight-talking podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth – especially here in Australia. Hosted by climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, Totally Cooked breaks down how human activity is changing the Earth’s systems—from our skies to our seas—and what we can do about it. From greenhouse gases to fire weather, supercomputers to Antarctic ice cores, this is climate science without the jargon, and where no subject is too complex or controversial.

FORE MORE:

https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Drill into the frozen depths of Earth&rsquo;s climate history in this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate &amp; Weather Podcast. Your hosts Iain Strachan and Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick are joined by Dr Tessa Vance (University of Tasmania, Australian Antarctic Program) to explore paleoclimatology, and find out how Antarctic ice cores unlock thousands of years of rainfall, drought, and climate variability across Australia and the Pacific, helping put today&rsquo;s human-caused climate change into crucial context. From remote drilling sites like Law Dome to the challenges of extracting and analysing ice cores, this episode reveals how scientists reconstruct long-term climate records far beyond Australia&rsquo;s short observational history. Discover evidence of droughts and wet periods that rival or exceed those on record, and learn how slow-moving climate drivers like the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) shape decades-long swings between dry and wet conditions. The conversation also uncovers a surprising link between Antarctic sea salt and Australian bushfire risk via a Southern Ocean &lsquo;weather bridge&rsquo;. Plus, hear about the ambitious Million Year Ice Core Project, aiming to extend climate records back up to two million years, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in climate science, extreme weather, and Antarctic research. Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals. NEW TO TOTALLY COOKED? Totally Cooked is a science-backed, straight-talking podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &ndash; especially here in Australia. Hosted by climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, Totally Cooked breaks down how human activity is changing the Earth&rsquo;s systems&mdash;from our skies to our seas&mdash;and what we can do about it. From greenhouse gases to fire weather, supercomputers to Antarctic ice cores, this is climate science without the jargon, and where no subject is too complex or controversial. FORE MORE:
https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Drilling into the secrets of Antarctic ice

Most climate change misconceptions don't come from bad faith — they come from genuinely confusing science, mixed messaging, and questions no one ever answered clearly. In this first mailbag special of Totally Cooked, Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan open up the inbox to tackle the questions that come up most.

Is the weather forecast usually wrong? If the models carry uncertainty, how can we trust long-term climate projections? What's the actual difference between weather and climate, and does one hot day tell us anything? All your questions along just some of the stickiest climate change misconceptions doing the rounds: that trees alone can fix everything, that lockdowns during COVID-19 repaired the ozone hole, and that small nations changing their habits can't possibly matter while the big emitters carry on.

From net zero and overshoot to the Paris Agreement, planetary boundaries, and why methane is a far more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂, Sarah and Iain work through the misinformation and misunderstandings without the jargon. Whether you're fighting against climate change, worried about it, or just someone trying to separate signal from noise, this episode is about clearing up the climate change misconceptions that get in the way of an honest conversation.

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Most climate change misconceptions don't come from bad faith &mdash; they come from genuinely confusing science, mixed messaging, and questions no one ever answered clearly. In this first mailbag special of Totally Cooked, Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan open up the inbox to tackle the questions that come up most.
Is the weather forecast usually wrong? If the models carry uncertainty, how can we trust long-term climate projections? What's the actual difference between weather and climate, and does one hot day tell us anything? All your questions along just some of the stickiest climate change misconceptions doing the rounds: that trees alone can fix everything, that lockdowns during COVID-19 repaired the ozone hole, and that small nations changing their habits can't possibly matter while the big emitters carry on.
From net zero and overshoot to the Paris Agreement, planetary boundaries, and why methane is a far more powerful greenhouse gas than CO₂, Sarah and Iain work through the misinformation and misunderstandings without the jargon. Whether you're fighting against climate change, worried about it, or just someone trying to separate signal from noise, this episode is about clearing up the climate change misconceptions that get in the way of an honest conversation.
Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Your climate & weather questions, answered.

Join hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan as they welcome Professor Sara Davies; professor of international relations at Griffith University and deputy director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW). In this episode, the two Sara(h)s explore one of climate science's most confronting intersections: what happens to women's safety when extreme weather strikes. 

From floods, to heatwaves, to compounding crises, the panel covers how climate change triggers and amplifies gender-based violence. Drawing on research across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sara reveals that women in those regions weren't shocked by COVID-19's cascading crises: they'd been managing climate, financial and health emergencies simultaneously for years. The episode also unpacks CEVAW's Women's Safety Index (tracking equity, protection and resource indicators across 190 countries), and what it reveals about why some societies recover from shocks faster than others. 

Who actually carries the practical burden of community recovery after Australian disasters? Why do Indigenous women face rates of violence that constitute a national emergency in their own right? And what can women-led early warning networks in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific can teach high-income countries about disaster preparedness? All questions you can have answered on this insightful look into the intersection of violence, climate, and weather. 

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Join hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan as they welcome Professor Sara Davies; professor of international relations at Griffith University and deputy director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW). In this episode, the two Sara(h)s explore one of climate science's most confronting intersections: what happens to women's safety when extreme weather strikes. From floods, to heatwaves, to compounding crises, the panel covers how climate change triggers and amplifies gender-based violence. Drawing on research across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Sara reveals that women in those regions weren't shocked by COVID-19's cascading crises: they'd been managing climate, financial and health emergencies simultaneously for years.&nbsp;The episode also unpacks CEVAW's Women's Safety Index (tracking equity, protection and resource indicators across 190 countries), and what it reveals about why some societies recover from shocks faster than others. Who actually carries the practical burden of community recovery after Australian disasters? Why do Indigenous women face rates of violence that constitute a national emergency in their own right? And what can women-led early warning networks in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific can teach high-income countries about disaster preparedness? All questions you can have answered on this insightful look into the intersection of violence, climate, and weather.&nbsp; Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

Whatever you do, DON’T call it a Godzilla El Niño

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